Constitutional amendment (first resolution); marriage. (SJ213)

Introduced By

Sen. Janet Howell (D-Reston) with support from co-patron Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate

Description

Constitutional amendment (first resolution); marriage. Proposes the repeal of the constitutional amendment dealing with marriage that was approved by referendum at the November 2006 election. That amendment to the Bill of Rights (i) defines marriage as "only a union between one man and one woman"; (ii) prohibits the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from creating or recognizing "a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage"; and (iii) prohibits the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions from creating or recognizing "another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage." Read the Bill »

Status

01/27/2015: Merged into SB820

History

DateAction
08/06/2014Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/14/15 15100159D
08/06/2014Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
01/22/2015Assigned to P&E sub: Constitutional Amendments
01/27/2015Incorporated by Privileges and Elections (SJ214-Ebbin) (15-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)

Comments

Secular Coalition for Virginia, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

The Secular Coalition of Virginia supports this bill and all efforts to correct discrimination against the gay community currently codified in Virginia law.

ACLU-VA LGBT Rights, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

The ACLU of Virginia supports this resolution that would begin the process of amending the Virginia constitution to repeal the discriminatory provision that limits marriage to one man and one woman and bans all recognition of same sex relationships.